From the Jacket: The rustic earthiness of Jammu, the 'paradise on earth' that is Kashmir and the ethereal isolation of Ladakh, together form the state of Jammu and Kashmir. Its crafts and cultural traditions are deeply rooted in strong historical movements that have swept its lands. Hinduism, Islam and Buddhism have contributed to eras of philosophical, religious, literary and artistic enlightenment leaving in their wake a perceptible imprint of highly civilised thought and artistic endeavour. Closely linked to this is the effect of the landscape on the people. The crafts of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh are presented in this context for it is believed that the people's bond with their environment and cultural heritage is manifested through their craft traditions.

In this book, scholars and artists with an intimate knowledge of the state write on the lives of its crafts people, their methods of production and the development of design in a historical context. While the most contemporary and exquisite workmanship has been displayed in weaving, embroidery, stone and metal work, ornaments, papier mache, carpets and woodwork, it's straw, willow, grasswork and pottery that reflect the interlinking of nature with village life. A chapter on the nomadic tribes - the Gujjars and Bakarwals-describes for the first time their crafts and lifestyles which span all three regions of the state.

About the Authoress:

Jaya Jaitly belongs to Kerala and has lived in different parts of Jammu and Kashmir from 1965 to 1977 where she specialised in adapting its existing crafts for wider use. She was a consultant on Kashmir to the Central Cottage Industries Corporation and to the Uttar Pradesh Export Corporation and presently works as the Design and Marketing Consultant for the Gujarat State Handicrafts and Handloom Development Corporation. She also organizes craftspeople in different parts of india to strengthen their traditional skills and marketing efforts through the Hind Mazdoor Kisan Panchayat, a trade unior federation. She has written on embroidery in Crafts of Gujarat and writes extensively about the craft movement in India.

From the Jacket: The rustic earthiness of Jammu, the 'paradise on earth' that is Kashmir and the ethereal isolation of Ladakh, together form the state of Jammu and Kashmir. Its crafts and cultural traditions are deeply rooted in strong historical movements that have swept its lands. Hinduism, Islam and Buddhism have contributed to eras of philosophical, religious, literary and artistic enlightenment leaving in their wake a perceptible imprint of highly civilised thought and artistic endeavour. Closely linked to this is the effect of the landscape on the people. The crafts of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh are presented in this context for it is believed that the people's bond with their environment and cultural heritage is manifested through their craft traditions.

In this book, scholars and artists with an intimate knowledge of the state write on the lives of its crafts people, their methods of production and the development of design in a historical context. While the most contemporary and exquisite workmanship has been displayed in weaving, embroidery, stone and metal work, ornaments, papier mache, carpets and woodwork, it's straw, willow, grasswork and pottery that reflect the interlinking of nature with village life. A chapter on the nomadic tribes - the Gujjars and Bakarwals-describes for the first time their crafts and lifestyles which span all three regions of the state.

About the Authoress:

Jaya Jaitly belongs to Kerala and has lived in different parts of Jammu and Kashmir from 1965 to 1977 where she specialised in adapting its existing crafts for wider use. She was a consultant on Kashmir to the Central Cottage Industries Corporation and to the Uttar Pradesh Export Corporation and presently works as the Design and Marketing Consultant for the Gujarat State Handicrafts and Handloom Development Corporation. She also organizes craftspeople in different parts of india to strengthen their traditional skills and marketing efforts through the Hind Mazdoor Kisan Panchayat, a trade unior federation. She has written on embroidery in Crafts of Gujarat and writes extensively about the craft movement in India.

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